Geogaddi is the second studio album by Scottish electronic music duoBoards of Canada, released on 13 February 2002 by Warp. It has been described as pursuing a darker variation of the style established on their previous releases. Geogaddi reached number 21 on the UK album charts and received critical acclaim upon release, in addition to being acclaimed by several publications as one of the year's best albums.
Background
Geogaddi was described by group member Michael Sandison as "a record for some sort of trial-by-fire, a claustrophobic, twisting journey that takes you into some pretty dark experiences before you reach the open air again." Compared to their previous releases, the duo aimed to record a project “with more facets, more detail and a kind of concentrated recipe of chaotic little melodies,” as well as something “more fuzzy and organic.” He claimed that the title is a combination of different words with a particular significance but that they wanted listeners to decide on their own interpretations. The band recorded over 90 tracks for the album, ultimately choosing 23 based on how well they fit the project. Sandison stated that much of the album features acoustic instrumentation, though it may not be immediately evident. They received the idea to make the track time total 66 minutes and 6 seconds from Warp Records president Steve Beckett, his reasoning being to joke around with listeners and imply the Devil had created the album. The album has been noted for featuring references to numerology and cult leaderDavid Koresh of the Branch Davidians.
Release
Geogaddi was first released in Japan on 13 February 2002. It was released by Warp on 18 February 2002 in Europe. The album has been released on compact disc, vinyl, digital download and as a limited edition compact disc. The album is available in three formats: Standard jewel caseCD packaging, limited edition hardbound book packaged with a CD and extra artwork enclosed, and a triple record package. Side F of the vinyl package, with the track "Magic Window", is uncut and contains a visible etching of a nude nuclear family. The artwork of the album carries a distinct kaleidoscopic motif. The limited edition version comes with a 12-page booklet exhibiting artwork.
Reception
Geogaddi holds a score of 84 out of 100 from review aggregate site Metacritic based on 21 critics' reviews, indicating "universal acclaim". Kitty Empire of NME praised it as "easily the electronic album of the year" and "a meeting of the natural with the digital, eerier than ever before," as well as "deliciously saturated with the recurring motifs which have marked them out as an individual voice in electronic music." Mark Richardson of Pitchfork wrote that "the Boards have implemented their trademark tools on Geogaddi, but in the service of a slightly gloomier vision," noting that they "have always had a disorienting cast to their music, but where the warbles once seemed designed to evoke the sensation of strained memory, the distortions now have a disturbing undercurrent." He ultimately called it "a very accomplished album packed with great music." Pascal Wyse of The Guardian characterised it as "the band's own reticent blend of electronic melancholy, always organic and beautifully crafted," but noted that the listener's enjoyment "just depends whether you want to go into that much detail." Geogaddi was ranked on year-end lists of the best albums of 2002 by numerous publications, such as Mojo, NME, Uncut and The Wire. In 2017, Pitchfork placed Geogaddi at number five on its list of "The 50 Best IDM Albums of All Time".
Trivia
"Beware the Friendly Stranger" is used as the background music for the animated web seriesSalad Fingers. "Gyroscope" and "You Could Feel The Sky" appeared in the soundtrack of the documentary Until the Light Takes Us by Aaron Aites. "Gyroscope" was used in the end credits of the horror movieSinister by Scott Derrickson. "Ready Lets Go" was used for the score for the 2017 action filmBaby Driver, directed by Edgar Wright.
